CLARE IFA chairman, Willie Hanrahan, is encouraging farm families to attend the organisations executive
meeting tonight (November 14) in Treacy’s West County Hotel at 8.30pm.
The meeting will address concerns regarding rural crime in Clare. Guest
speakers will include Barry Carey, IFA Rural Crime Prevention Officer, William Shortall IFA Health
and Safety Officer and Garda Sergeant Triona O’Rourke, Rural Crime Prevention Officer.
Recently addressing the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice and Equality, IFA Deputy President
Richard Kennedy called for the establishment of a dedicated Rural Crime Task Force.
He highlighted how a similar UK task force has been successful in tackling rural crime.
“Over the last year, several serious incidents have occurred on farms. Many farmers and
rural dwellers live in real fear for their safety, which is compounded by geographic and
service isolation. Theft of valuables from rural homes and of livestock and machinery
from farms is also a major concern.”
The IFA Deputy President said there is a serious problem with cross-border crime. “A
more streamlined crime reporting system, immediate sharing of intelligence, and
information exchange would increase the level of visibility and awareness, particularly
where crime has been reported in border areas.”
Richard Kennedy said IFA has taken a proactive role in the area of crime prevention. He
highlighted the many joint initiatives it has engaged with An Garda Síochána on,
including; Crimestoppers, Community Text Alerts and Theftstop.
However, he said more needs to be done, “There is a need for greater patrolling of rural
Ireland. Farm families need to see a much greater Garda presence on the road.”
A native of Ennis, Colin McGann has been editor of The Clare Champion since August 2020. Former editor of The Clare People, he is a journalism and communications graduate of Dublin Institute of Technology.